NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF COLLINGWOOD
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Sidelaunch Days returns in 2024, inviting residents and visitors alike to join in a vibrant celebration of Collingwood's rich maritime heritage and the scenic beauty of South Georgian Bay. This annual festival, to be held Aug. 9 and 10, promises a weekend filled with free activities for all ages, highlighting the joy of being in, on, and around the water.
The festival spans across three key activity areas, including Harbourview Park, the waterfront promenade, and Downtown Collingwood (84 Hurontario Street). Explore each location and enjoy live music, entertainment, shipbuilding history, giant games, and more. Each activity area promises something for everyone to enjoy including beverages and food options for purchase.
Returning to Sidelaunch Days are traditional favourites and a mix of new activities.
Information & Exploration
Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sun., Aug. 11 from 10 am. – 4:00 p.m., North Hurontario Street
Your source for the Sidelaunch Days schedule and official map. Learn about the different organizations dedicated to preserving a healthy environment and protecting the region's water system and the land surrounding. Pick up your Children’s Launch Passport and wooden boat craft kit (while supplies last) and then collect stickers, build and launch your own wooden crafted boat. Learn about the history of the harbour from the perspective of the harbour.
Ontario SUP Series and SUP Nationals
Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday, Aug. 11, Various times, Side Launch Basin
The Ontario SUP Race Series is a competitive and fun event series for the sport of stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) in Ontario. This year's Collingwood stop on the series will also serve as the Canadian Surf Association SUP Nationals and a qualifier to represent Canada at the ISA World SUP Championships this September in Copenhagen, Denmark. There are competitive and recreational divisions to choose from. Register online to compete or take in the excitement from the Promenade cheering on your favorite racers! Presented in partnership with Ontario SUP Series and Blu Wave.
Free Kayaking and SUP Boarding
Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday, Aug. 11, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Harbourview Park, Westside Dock, Birch Street North
Give kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) a try with a complimentary 30-minute rental from Little Ed’s Harbourview Rentals. Presented in partnership with Little Ed’s Harbourview Rentals. Must be 18 or older or be at least 16 years with an adult. Some conditions apply.
Tall Ship Dockside Tours
Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday, Aug. 11, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Sidelaunch Basin
Hop aboard the TS Playfair for a free tour of the ships’ upper and lower decks, meet crew members, and learn about the Brigs Youth Sail Training Program. Sponsored by Greenland International Consulting.
Team K9 Dog Show
Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday, Aug. 11, 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., Harbourview Park, Birch Street North
Enjoy an action-packed, family-friendly, frisbee and dog sport show including a variety of features such as agility/steeplechase, musical hoops, tricks, relay racing, weave pole challenges, frisbee dogs, high jumping, and more. The show includes dogs of a variety of breeds. Music accompanies the show, and an emcee will keep the audience riveted to the action.
Giant Games
Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday, Aug. 11, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Side Launch Way & Downtown Collingwood
Play giant games including Res-Q-Me Giant Battleship, Tic Tac Dunk, and Volleypong with family and friends.
Georgian Bay Heritage League & Canadian Museum of Water
Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday, Aug. 11, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Harbourview Park
Explore the historic Watts boats including the 1901 John Watts Junior, 1910 Watts Lighthouse Boat, and 1920 Watts Rowboat. The Georgian Bay Heritage League will provide interpretive tours and share some of the history behind each boat and the restoration process. Canadian Museum of Water will also be on site with the Diversité a 11.5 m wooden rowing craft.
Live Music
Enjoy a range of live, local musicians at each of the three activity areas including:
Saturday, Aug. 10
| Time | 84 Hurontario | North Hurontario Promenade |
Harbourview Park North Birch Street |
| 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | The Jazz Duo | Sydney Riley | |
| 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. | Bryson Cleland | Kendall Lily | Red Hot Stove Pipe Band |
| 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. | Motes & Oats | Scott Robinson | Red Hot Stove Pipe Band |
Sunday, Aug. 11
| Time | 84 Hurontario | North Hurontario Promenade |
Harbourview Park North Birch Street |
| 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Sydney Riley | Motes & Oats | |
| 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. | Lola Eden | Wyatt Macrae | Red Hot Stove Pipe Band |
| 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. | Vokal Legen | Bryson Cleland | Red Hot Stove Pipe Band |
Food Tour Experience
Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday, Aug. 11, Various times
Indulge in a variety of flavours as you walk, sip and taste your way through some of the best eateries and shops in southern Georgian Bay. Collingwood is a world-class tourist destination with many diverse restaurants that boast progressive menus featuring local ingredients.
To book a tour visit www.collingwoodfoodtours.com.
Free Live Concerts
As the sun sets, attendees are invited to gather at the beautiful waterfront Shipyards Amphitheatre, North Maple Street, for a spectacular finale: a free concert under the evening sky. On Saturday, Aug. 10 enjoy headliner band Fiddlestix and on Sunday, Aug. 11 Freedom Train returns for a spectacular evening of music. Both concerts open with DJ Thirdlife at 6:00 p.m. Bring your lawn chair or blanket to this picturesque setting which provides the perfect backdrop to unwind and enjoy live music performances, celebrating the culmination of Sidelaunch Days 2024
For more information and updates, visit www.sidelaunchdays.ca or follow us on Facebook @experiencecollingwood and on Instagram @experience.collingwood.
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